The Wessex Community Energy Network was set up in early 2018, with the aim of information sharing and networking between community energy groups in Wiltshire, Somerset, Bath & NE Somerset, Bristol, S. Gloucestershire and Dorset. Since then, the network has met 3-4 times per year, with a pause during the Covid lockdown. The majority of meetings have been in-person in order to maximise networking opportunities. The benefit of networking between community energy groups and Local Authorities is also highly valued. Many meetings have been of interest to Local Authorities who are welcome to join the network.
Our Aims:
- Share experience between community energy projects (learning from each other)
- Influence local policy
- Facilitate collaborative projects
- Engage the local community in tackling climate change
In early 2023 an enlarged Steering Group was set up to help consolidate and strengthen the network, including setting up a Constitution. The Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol (CSE) kindly offered to co-ordinate the network and provide administrative support, working closely with the Steering Group.
Current Members of the Steering Group 2025/26:
| Pete West (Treasurer) | Energy Local Bridport |
| Cara Naden | Avalon Community Energy and Somerset Council |
| Vince Adams | Energise Stur Valley IPS |
| Alex Lockton | Empowered |
| Helen Martin | Bristol Energy Cooperative |
| Iris Partridge | Resilience Network CIC |
| CSE co-ordination and Secretariat | |
| Lucy Rothwell | CSE |
A short bio for each of the Steering Group members can be found here.
Wessex Community Energy Network 